Mahdavikia conducts training classes for U17 players

TeamMelli.com – TEHRAN, Mehdi Mahdavikia has conducted a workshop for Iran’s U17 team which is currently in camp and training under the supervision of Ali Doustimehr. The Perspolis Captain and ex-Team Melli star is one of the players that Doustimehr introduced to Iran’s football while he was coaching Bank Melli football club.

Doustimehr’s objective was to introduce his players to the finer aspects of playing football at the highest level of competition by giving them exposure to how a legend such as Mahdavikia has conducted his own successful career playing at all ages level for Team Melli.

Mehdi Mahdavikia, who has previousely also offered his service and support, was glad to be in service once again as he conducted the workshop for the young player on Monday.

The ex-Bundesliga star put much emphasis on discipline in and out of the field during the workshop. Mahdavikia also stressed that Iranians , in nature are quite emotional and such emotions sometimes results in below par performances and losses to teams which are inferior to them. He said that unless we admit to our shortfalls and look for solutiuons to it rather than excuses, our success will be limited. He advised the players to keep control on their emotions before and during the matches and be prepared for adversities all the time.

Mahdavikia touched on many psychological issues in football.

At the request of Doustimer, Mehdi Mahdavikia will offer his morale and professional support and be accompanying the U17 team later this year in the UAE for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Team Melli U-17 qualified for the finals.

Mehdi Mahdavikia played in the Bundesliga for VfL Bochum, Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt before returning to Iran in 2010/11 season playing for Steel Azin then Damash before rteturning to Perspolis last season.

Mehdi Mahdavikia honors include winning the Asian Footballer of the Year in 2003, playing in two World Cups and 3 AFC Asian Cups.